Some Newburgh parents and lawmakers are supporting a youth curfew ordinance after two teens were killed in separate acts of violence.
Jeffrey Zachary, 15, died in a May 6 drive-by shooting. Ten days later, 16-year-old James Murchison was stabbed to death.Newburgh Mayor Nick Valentine is cautious to use the word "curfew," but he feels the issue must be addressed. "'Curfew' gives you the connotation that you gotta be home," Valentine said. "I think we're trying to say is how do we deal with some kids that don't have supervision?"
While some teens don't agree with the idea of a curfew, parents are open to the idea. "There's a lot going on. How many more children have to die to the streets before someone gets it?" said parent Adrian Bowens. "Someone has to protect our children. If the parents aren't, then let the legislators do it."
Three roundtable discussions are planned this month on the ordinance.